Linking Service-Learning and No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 Title IV: Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities

Service-learning can be an effective means of meeting the goals of the Title IV program, promoting safe schools and communities that support academic achievement and encouraging drug-free and violence-free lifestyles. The "Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act" (Title IV, Part A) supports service-learning in several ways. By linking Title IV and service-learning, students will be introduced to concepts and experiences that have the potential to increase their sense of community and can provide a safe learning environment. Students will develop a sense of caring and responsibility and understand the value of being a good citizen, while learning how to develop healthy lifestyles. To achieve these goals, service-learning programs must be designed with high-quality, ensuring that programs feature the components and strategies necessary for outcomes to be maximized. Providing data as evidence of effectiveness will be necessary to sustain the practice of service-learning. (RMC)